During the COVID crisis, restrictions have been put in place which have sometimes kept people apart for the purpose of safety. For counseling cases in which there has been marital abuse the victim often must be separated from the abuser for the sake of safety. During this time, we counsel the abuser separate from the […]
The Battleship of Abuse
Do you remember playing the game Battleship when you were a kid? You would try to discover where your opponent had stationed his ships on a grid representing the ocean so you could shoot and sink them. One shot, however, wouldn’t sink a battleship. Some ships could be sunk with as few as two hits […]
Counseling Care for Domestic Abuse
I am VERY excited about the new IBCD observation video series on spousal abuse. Dr. Jeremy Pierre of Southern Seminary does an amazing job of portraying the subtle but coercive ways of the abuser. Chris Moles does a masterful job of confronting the abuser while gently educating the well-meaning pastor (played by Craig Marshall) on […]
Educating Your Elders About Abuse
Well-meaning church leaders often fail to distinguish between ordinary marital conflict and situations in which one spouse is abusing the other. The abusive spouse, usually the husband, is often able to manipulate inexperienced counselors by deflecting attention from his sin and focusing upon the sin of the mistreated spouse. Over time, as the oppression continues […]
Helping Churches to Better Handle Cases of Abuse
Sadly, I have been witness to a discouraging pattern in local churches as they handle cases involving abuse. It begins as church leaders are made aware of a situation in which a husband is acting abusively towards his wife, and it has been going on for quite some time. The abuse may include any or […]
The Abuse Pendulum (Part 2)
BCC Staff: Today we finish a two-part blog about domestic abuse by Dr. Jim Newheiser. He continues to evaluate common statements you hear about ministering to those who’ve experienced domestic abuse. We trust you will be challenged and equipped by what he offers. If you feel that you are being mistreated or controlled, leave the […]
The Abuse Pendulum (Part 1)
BCC Staff: Today and tomorrow we are running a two-part blog about domestic abuse by Dr. Jim Newheiser. He offers a lot of food for thought, and we hope you are well nourished by it. I am thankful to God that many necessary and important books and articles are being written to increase awareness of […]
Lessons Learned from Unthinkable Sexual Abuse
I recently learned that a missionary whom I have known and trusted for twenty years has, for his entire adult life, been a sexual predator. He was respected, even revered, both by churches in the US and by thousands of people in the field. He used his position of power, influence, and trust to take […]